Manuel Pellegrini's side can become the most prolific team in the history of
English football and break United's 56-year old record with two more goals

Manchester City supporters fearing the end of the club’s title challenge might at least find consolation in erasing Manchester United from the record books if Manuel Pellegrini’s players score just two more goals this season.

While City’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday left Pellegrini’s team six points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, Samir Nasri’s late equaliser was the club’s 142nd goal in all competitions this season - one short of the 143 scored by the Busby Babes in the 1956-57 campaign.

United’s haul of 143 goals in one season has remained the all-time record for 56 years, but City can equal the milestone figure if they score against West Bromwich Albion on Easter Monday.

And two goals against Pepe Mel’s team at the Etihad will finally eclipse United from the record books and move City clear as the most prolific team in the history of English football.

City are also in a race with Liverpool to become the first team to break the 100 Premier League goal barrier this season, with Brendan Rodgers’ team currently leading the way with 93 goals - five clear of City’s league total of 88.